Subclass 408 Visa - COVID-19 Pandemic Event stream

In 2020, the government established a new stream within the Subclass 408 visa, called the COVID-19 pandemic stream. This stream enables visa holders to stay in Australia if they are employed or have a job offer in any sector within the country.

To apply, applicants must:

• If arriving after February 21, 2022, possess a substantive visa with work rights unless they have a job offer from a Commonwealth-funded aged care service. Their visa should either expire in 90 days or less or have expired no more than 28 days ago.

• Provide proof of employment or a job offer.

Typically, the visa is granted for a 12-month stay.

Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa (TGV) holders in Australia can apply for and receive a Pandemic event visa with a 2-year stay duration instead of a TGV extension if:

• Their TGV expires before July 1, 2023.

• They are ineligible for a TGV extension on July 1, 2023.

• They have a pending 408 Pandemic event visa application and held a TGV when they submitted the application.

Applicants must be employed in Australia or have a job offer and apply within 90 days before their TGV expires or within 28 days after it expires. For advice tailored to your specific situation, contact one of our Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.